Obituary of Marjorie HUGHES

April 15, 1926 – Calgary, Alberta   

November 13, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Marj passed away at her home in Calgary AB, on Friday, November 13, 2020, at the age of 94.  Marj was born in Calgary where she lived much of her life, spending later retirement years in Canmore, AB.

Marj was the third daughter of four girls born to Margaret Smith and Fred Jones (an early Calgary bricklayer and contractor) - the Jones sisters were a force to be reckoned with. She attended school in Calgary, attaining her nursing certification from Calgary General Hospital in 1947. With a strong independent spirit, Marj pursued her nursing career for much of her life, with early years at home with children. The nursing community was a key part of Marj's professional and social network for the rest of her life. She went on to explore a number of work vocations: public health nurse, workers’ compensation counsellor, realtor.

Marj met her life partner, Bob Hughes, husband of sixty-six years, at Hillhurst United Church young people's group in Calgary and they were married in 1953. Taken with his easy-going nature, salt-of-the-earth farming background, and calming presence, she shared with Bob a life-long bond of love, respect and dedication - a lasting legacy for us all. Marj so valued the freedom and independence Bob gave for her to continue working.  Family was Marj's priority and she was so very proud of her three sons, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren. Marj continued to anchor the wider family connection in recent years. We recall countless memories of fun times summer camping, winter ski holidays, and travelling; Marj was always a go-getter.

As her three sons were entering their teen years, Marj had the idea to introduce them to the sport of downhill skiing, so the family would have an activity it could do together. Those first few lessons, followed by several annual family ski trips, ignited a passion in all of them for the sport. Skiing has played a significant role in all of their lives, which continues to this day.

Naturally curious, Marj welcomed the chance to engage with people of all ages. She was always in pursuit of self improvement and never shied away from taking action on things that were important - be it nurses’ rights, church youth initiatives, or meal service in the seniors lodge. Marj loved working with her hands and was an avid quilter. She also loved to sing and participated in various choirs - Calgary Philharmonic Chorus, Valley Winds in Canmore, and the Passion Play in Drumheller.

Marj enjoyed travels all her life from Okanagan bicycle trips in her 20s, to Europe, Thailand, Australia, and Haida Gwaii more recently, as well as regular connection and trips to visit her sister Sheilah and family in Florida.

Marj is survived by her three sons, Doug, Fred, and Scott (Susan Hughes); and grandchildren, Jenni Bowles (Steven), Michaela Hughes, and Connor Hughes. She was predeceased by her husband Bob and her  three sisters, Sheilah (Vince Vercuski), Norah (Jim Miller), and Aileen (George Martin).